Bay of Biscay advice

[Hydra]

In fact, a mobile (and notably reduced) version of this site works on my Xperia Z1. I just reach it though the URL previmer.org. There is an English version, touch the British flag.

Alain

[JazzyO]

Originally Posted by Hydra

In fact, a mobile (and notably reduced) version of this site works on my Xperia Z1. I just reach it though the URL previmer.org. There is an English version, touch the British flag.

Alain

OK, but on iPad it doesn't work. On my laptop it does. I find the information on this site a bit sketchy, though, and limited to the French coastal areas only. Passageweather.com will remain my favourite, although I will check out this one in the future as well.


Onno

[bobsadler]

We did Camaret-La Coruna mid-July 2 years ago. Set out with F4 W'ly then motored in calms. Got whacked by v strong SE'ly about 30 miles NE of La Coruna in the hours before dawn. This patch of strong SE'ly seem to persist for days in that area.

Biggest problem around Finisterre, a lot of that coast (the aptly named Costa da Morte) and on south was white-out fog (i.e. <15m vis). Often had 6 or 8 fishing boats on the radar. The problem was they were working gear (pots and traps rather than trawling) and their movements - at least to us - were completely random and unpredictable. They didn't have AIS. Motoring for 8 hours in thoses conditions I found to be v tiring as the radar watch was pretty much constant. These fishing boats were in the 15m (50ft) LOA range.

The fog as we approached Finisterre from the N came out of a brilliant blue sky. There seemed to be no way to predict when it would turn up.

[JazzyO]

Thanks for the comments Bob, will take them with me when we cross early June.


Onno

[simonpickard]

Hello all,

Just wanted to update the thread to say we've crossed safely! Took 3 days (but only 2 nights which was great) we managed to sail most of it but needed to motorsail the last day as the winds dropped. Had no issues at all, was a lovely trip. Went direct from Camaret to La Coruna. Kept outside of the shipping lanes but was good to know so many ships were in radio contact if we needed them.

The gribs were very true to their word, couldn't fault the weather so we got in with no issues.

Very proud to have done this with just the two of us (my girlfriend and myself). We got a good watch system in place from day one and that allowed us to get sleep and stay fresh.

Thanks again to everyone who offered advice on this thread, it all really helped.

Right, time for some more seafood!

Best regards,
Simon

[weavis]

Originally Posted by simonpickard

Hello all,

Just wanted to update the thread to say we've crossed safely! Took 3 days (but only 2 nights which was great) we managed to sail most of it but needed to motorsail the last day as the winds dropped. Had no issues at all, was a lovely trip. Went direct from Camaret to La Coruna. Kept outside of the shipping lanes but was good to know so many ships were in radio contact if we needed them.

The gribs were very true to their word, couldn't fault the weather so we got in with no issues.

Very proud to have done this with just the two of us (my girlfriend and myself). We got a good watch system in place from day one and that allowed us to get sleep and stay fresh.

Thanks again to everyone who offered advice on this thread, it all really helped.

Right, time for some more seafood!

Best regards,
Simon

Good man.! and girlfriend!

[Alenka]

Congrats to the both of you. Enjoy the beer!
We shall keep an eye open for you later in the year when you pass through the Greek ionian

[boatman61]

Glad you had a good run across.. shame you missed Viveiro but what the hell.. enjoy La Coruna and may I recommend Baiona..

[simonpickard]

"and may I recommend Baiona"

Over in France? We're heading south now into the Med. So many places, so little time, but any recommendations between here and Gib would be most welcomed!

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by simonpickard

"and may I recommend Baiona"

Over in France? We're heading south now into the Med. So many places, so little time, but any recommendations between here and Gib would be most welcomed!

Cough.. Cough... its 50miles South of Finistere...

[simonpickard]

Oops. Got it. Yep that was on our list. Nice place then?

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by simonpickard

Oops. Got it. Yep that was on our list. Nice place then?

I like it.. but then there's those might say that's no recommendation.
You also have a choice between the marina and a decent little anchorage.. its a popular stop for sailors..

[conachair]

Originally Posted by simonpickard

"We're heading south now into the Med. So many places, so little time, but any recommendations between here and Gib would be most welcomed!

It's nearly all nice so maybe big hops then relax for a little while somewhere. Getting out of the worst of the Atlantic swell is lovely once you get round st Vincent. A few days going up the Guadiana can be special if you have the time.
Enjoy

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